2018 was a monumental year for music, a melting pot of genres and sounds that solidified some artists' legacies while launching others into superstardom. But amidst the tidal wave of releases, which tracks truly stand the test of time? That's the question we're tackling today as we dive into our definitive list of the best songs of all time 2018. This isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a curated collection of the tracks that defined the year's sonic landscape, from chart-topping anthems to hidden gems that deserve a place in any music lover's playlist. Whether you're rediscovering old favorites or seeking fresh tunes to add to your rotation, this list caters to diverse tastes, proving that 2018 offered something for everyone. Get ready to relive the unforgettable sounds and reignite the musical magic of a truly exceptional year. We've poured over countless hours of music, analyzed the charts, and considered critical acclaim to bring you the ultimate compilation. Let the musical journey begin!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Girls Like You |
Cardi B Maroon 5 | Red Pill Blues (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 2. Taki Taki |
Ozuna Cardi B DJ Snake Selena Gomez | When The Sun Goes Down | 3B+ |
| 3. Shallow |
Lady Gaga Bradley Cooper | A Star Is Born Soundtrack | 2B+ |
| 4. I Like It |
Bad Bunny J Balvin Cardi B | Invasion of Privacy | 2B+ |
| 5. God's Plan | Drake | Scorpion | 2B+ |
| 6. SICKO MODE | Travis Scott | ASTROWORLD | 1B+ |
| 7. Happier |
Marshmello Bastille | Up All Night | 1B+ |
1. Girls Like You (2018)
Unforgettable Collaboration: Cardi B's fiery rap verses perfectly complement Maroon 5's signature pop sound, creating a dynamic and unexpected hit that defined 2018's musical landscape.
Infectious Groove: The song's undeniable rhythm and catchy hook made it an instant radio staple and a guaranteed dance floor filler – a testament to its enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: "Girls Like You" transcended genre boundaries, becoming a viral sensation with its memorable music video and showcasing the power of collaboration in achieving chart-topping success in 2018.
2. Taki Taki (Ozuna ft Cardi B ft DJ Snake ft Selena Gomez - 2025)
Unforgettable Collaboration: Ozuna, Cardi B, DJ Snake, and Selena Gomez's "Taki Taki" brought together a powerhouse of Latin and pop talent, resulting in a track that defined the summer of 2018.
Infectious Rhythm: The song's irresistible beat and catchy chorus made it a global phenomenon, instantly recognizable and endlessly replayable.
A Defining Sound of 2018: "Taki Taki" cemented its place in music history as a defining track of the year, capturing the vibrant energy and diverse sounds of the global music scene.
3. Shallow (A Star Is Born Soundtrack)
Power Ballad Perfection: Shallow's soaring vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics cemented its place among 2018's most impactful tracks.
Unforgettable Duet: The chemistry between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper elevates the song beyond a typical power ballad, creating a truly unforgettable listening experience.
A Star is Born Soundtrack Staple: Its inclusion in the film added to its cultural impact and made it a defining song of the year.
4. I Like It (2018)
Unforgettable Rhythm: I Like It's infectious beat, a masterful blend of Latin and trap, propelled it to the top of the charts in 2018 and solidified its place in music history.
Stellar Collaboration: The combination of Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Cardi B created a sonic powerhouse, showcasing each artist's unique style while seamlessly merging them into a cohesive whole.
Enduring Appeal: Its undeniable energy and catchy chorus make "I Like It" a timeless track that continues to resonate with listeners years after its release, a true testament to its quality.
5. God's Plan
Unforgettable Hook: Drake's "God's Plan" boasts a catchy, instantly recognizable hook that cemented its place in 2018's musical landscape.
Philanthropic Impact: The song's accompanying music video, showcasing Drake's generous acts of charity, generated significant buzz and amplified its cultural relevance.
Enduring Production: The track's smooth, atmospheric production remains timeless, contributing to its continued popularity among listeners.
6. SICKO MODE (Travis Scott)
Genre-bending Innovation: SICKO MODE masterfully blends trap, hip-hop, and rock elements, showcasing Travis Scott's boundary-pushing creativity that defined a moment in 2018.
Unforgettable Rhythm and Flow: The song's dynamic shifts in tempo and beat, coupled with Scott's distinctive vocal delivery, create an exhilarating and unforgettable listening experience, cementing its place among 2018's best.
Cultural Impact: SICKO MODE's infectious energy and memorable chorus transcended musical boundaries, becoming a viral sensation and a defining anthem of the year.
7. Happier (Marshmello ft Bastille)
Catchy Melody: Happier boasts an undeniably catchy melody that effortlessly wormed its way into the hearts (and playlists) of millions in 2018.
Blending Genres: Marshmello's signature future bass sound perfectly complements Bastille's emotive vocals, creating a unique and memorable blend.
Enduring Popularity: Its continued presence on charts and playlists speaks to its lasting appeal and solidifies its place amongst 2018's top tracks.
8. no tears left to cry (Ariana Grande - 2025)
Anthemic Powerhouse: Ariana Grande's "no tears left to cry" exploded onto the scene in 2018, showcasing her vocal prowess and delivering an undeniable message of resilience.
Unforgettable Production: The song's innovative production, characterized by its driving beat and uplifting synth melodies, cemented its place as a defining track of the year.
Enduring Legacy: Its infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics continue to resonate, highlighting why it remains a standout hit from 2018 and beyond.
9. Meant to Be (2018)
Unforgettable Melody: "Meant to Be" boasts a catchy, instantly recognizable melody that cemented its place in 2018's popular consciousness.
Dynamic Vocal Blend: The collaboration between Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha creates a dynamic vocal interplay, perfectly balancing country and pop sensibilities.
Enduring Appeal: Its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics ensured the song's staying power beyond its initial chart success, making it a true standout of 2018.
10. Psycho (Post Malone ft Ty Dolla Sign - 2025)
Post Malone & Ty Dolla $ign's 2018 Hit: "Psycho" dominated airwaves in 2018 with its infectious blend of trap beats and melodic vocals, solidifying its place as a defining track of the year.
Unforgettable Hook: Ty Dolla $ign's signature smooth vocals intertwine perfectly with Post Malone's signature rasp, creating a memorable and irresistible hook that resonated with listeners worldwide.
Enduring Appeal: The song's masterful production and catchy rhythm ensured its lasting impact, making it a timeless addition to any 2018 best-of playlist.
11Lucid Dreams
Juice WRLD
2018
Goodbye & Good Riddance
12This Is America
Childish Gambino
2018
Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight
13Finesse
Cardi B,Bruno Mars
2018
Circus (Deluxe Version)
14thank u, next
Ariana Grande
2018
thank u, next
15High Hopes
Panic! At The Disco
2018
Pray for the Wicked
16Better Now
Post Malone
2018
17Delicate
Taylor Swift
2018
reputation
18Say Something
Justin Timberlake,Chris Stapleton
2018
Man of the Woods
19In My Feelings
Drake
2018
20Never Be the Same
Camila Cabello
2018
Camila
21Back To You
Selena Gomez
2018
When The Sun Goes Down
22Love Lies
Khalid,Normani
2018
Animal (Expanded Edition)
23Mine
Bazzi
2018
24Tequila
Dan + Shay
2018
25The Middle
Maren Morris,Zedd,Grey
2018
Freedom
26Fortnight
Taylor Swift,Post Malone
2024
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT